It’s never too late to join the synodal renewal

Although the first session of the Synod on Synodality has ended, the journey of renewal within the Catholic Church is far from over. In this interview, Archbishop Grzegorz Ryś of Łódź, Poland, reflects on the next steps of the synodal process, the importance of community in living the Gospel, and the ongoing invitation for all believers to take part in shaping a more listening, colorful Church.

Written by István Gégény

‒ Last time we met, we were in Slovenia, at the end of 2023, after the first session of the Synod on Synodality. Now it is over. The Synod on Synodality is over, but we are now in an implementation phase. What kind of feelings do you, as someone who participated in the Synod, have in your heart now, in this implementation phase, when we have to put into practice what you discussed during the Synod?

‒ The most important thing is to know that nothing is finished. The easiest part of the process is to write the Final Document ‒ that’s always the easiest thing. And sometimes you think, “OK, we did it.” Then the book goes on the shelf, and you never touch it again. But of course, what we need now is to approach this book again with the small groups, because this process started in small groups throughout the Church. So we need to go back. In my diocese, we have synodal groups in every parish because, over the last two years, we held so-called parochial synods. So I think we are fortunate, because we have people with whom we can share the Final Document and discuss the parts that are important for our small communities ‒ because not everything is. But there will be some parts that are important. We need to select and discuss them. After that, we’ll share our experiences with others, and this is how we prepare for the so-called ecclesiastical assembly, which will be in 2028. So there is a long way ahead.

‒ So we continue the synodal process with the Assembly, heading toward 2028. You already mentioned that in the Archdiocese of Łódź, every parish has its own synodal group. My experience in Hungary, where we are now meeting in person, is that there is a fluctuating level of interest in the Synodal Renewal. Is it the same in Poland?

‒ It is quite different, but the same model does not apply everywhere. Still, I would say there’s always time to get involved. Even if someone was very critical two, three, or four years ago, there’s still time to take part ‒ and the invitation remains open.

‒ What is your message for those who have already heard or received the message that there is this synodal renewal ‒ that we can join it, that it’s not just for bishops or leaders, but for everyone? Why should someone join the renewal of the Catholic Church?

‒ Because there is no Christianity outside community. Christianity is personal, but not individualistic. You need a community to live in ‒ and you also need the community to take responsibility for you sometimes.

‒ Pope Francis has died, but his message remains with us ‒ the Church is colorful. And today you mentioned that uniformity is not the will of God. Even though many Christians like uniformity, how can we live out the colorfulness of the Church?

‒ This is the Gospel and the teaching of Paul ‒ and we have to return to the Gospel! When we return to the Gospel, we will move beyond uniformity.